Do you know what to do if your child has a dental emergency? If you answered no, keep reading to learn about emergency pediatric dentistry and how it can help.

When to Visit the Emergency Room

Let's start with a common question: when should you skip the dentist and visit the emergency room?

An emergency room can't help your child through most dental emergencies. Though the medical teams at these locations are skilled, they don't have the necessary knowledge of dentistry to address common tooth-related emergencies. They often can't repair or save broken, chipped, or bleeding teeth.

However, there are a few situations where a trip to the ER is ideal.

If your child has an accident that damages their skin or jaw, take them to your local ER. The same is true if they have significant cuts, broken bones, head trauma, or other major injuries. The doctors there can help stop any bleeding and treat their wounds.

In addition, an ER or urgent care clinic can help with pain related to tooth emergencies if you can't find a dentist right away. If your child is struggling with a serious infection or inflammation, you should see an ER doctor. This is especially true if they have a very high fever, their gums are extremely swollen, or they're having trouble swallowing or breathing.

A pediatric dentist clinic like Dental Studio 4 Kids is your best bet when you're dealing with a situation related to tooth loss or pain. These dental emergencies still need fast care, but they don't involve major structural trauma or life-threatening conditions. Here are a few common examples:

Lost or Loose Fillings

Fillings are meant to stay in place, but they can loosen or become dislodged after an accident or a heavy blow. This shifting or loss can expose the sensitive inner pulp underneath.

Your child might complain of sensitivity or pain in the affected area as time goes on. To prevent infections and decay, seek emergency dental care for a replacement filling.

Foreign Object Stuck in Mouth

Whether your child fell onto an object or stuck it between their teeth, it's important to remove the object to preserve their dental health.

If you can't get it out at home, your dentist can use their specialized tools to remove it without harming the surrounding teeth. This also gives them a chance to assess any damage to the gums or teeth.

Toothache

Minor toothaches aren't uncommon, especially as permanent teeth grow in. However, if your child experiences pain that gets severe fast, you might be dealing with something more serious. Fevers are also common with toothaches.

Cavities, abscesses, and other major issues may be the cause. Left untreated, these problems can worsen over time and even spread the pain to surrounding teeth.

Fractured Tooth

If your child experiences a blow to the head while playing, they may chip or fracture a tooth. This type of tooth damage may come with or without pain. Either way, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Chips and fractures expose the sensitive inner pulp of the tooth. This makes the tooth vulnerable to decay and infection if left untreated.

Missing Tooth



If your child loses a permanent tooth, you'll want to visit a pediatric dentist right away. If you schedule your visit fast enough and bring the tooth along, the dentist may be able to save it!

You should also call your dentist if your child loses a baby tooth in an accident. This isn't always cause for alarm, but your dentist may still want to check the child's mouth for additional damage.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Even if your pediatric dentist offers emergency dental visits, you'll need to work fast to help your child avoid excess pain. There are a few things you can do to lessen the chances of severe damage and even help preserve their teeth.

Before you head to the dentist, here are a few things to do:

Preserve the Tooth

If your child has chipped or lost their tooth, try to find it. Your dentist may be able to replace it, though you should handle it as little as possible to lower the risk of infection.

You can also try to replace the tooth yourself, which may increase the chances of preserving it. Teeth replanted within 30-60 minutes are more likely to take root again. The American Association of Endodontists recommends handling the tooth by the crown and pushing it gently back into the socket.

If you can't replace the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in a cup with a bit of milk.

Address Pain and Swelling

If your child is in pain, address symptoms of infection and try to lower any fever before you get to the dentist. You can give them over-the-counter pain relievers to help.

Cold compresses are also a great idea, though you should never place these directly on the tooth or gums. Instead, use them on the face near where the pain is and use gentle pressure. Follow the best practices for icing injuries by using the compress for only 20 minutes at a time.

Never use heat therapy, which can make inflammation worse.



In addition, try to keep your child from putting their fingers in their mouth around the tooth. This can increase the risk of infection, and it may cause more damage in some situations.

Contact an Emergency Pediatric Dentist

Whether you need emergency pediatric dentistry or you're trying to stay prepared, Dental Studio 4 Kids is here to help! We're proud to offer emergency services to children throughout the Lutz area and beyond. Put us on speed dial or make an appointment with our pediatric dentist team today.